Article Tools

DUNMORE — Montrose wasn’t able to capitalize in the first half with a strong, biting wind at its back.

Southern Columbia was able to take advantage in the second half, scoring twice to cap a 3-0 victory in the PIAA Class 1A girls soccer quarterfinals on a cold Saturday afternoon at Dunmore High School.

The District 4 champion Lady Tigers (17-3-1) advance to the semifinals Tuesday against District 4 runner-up East Juniata, which knocked off District 12 champion Conwell Egan, 9-1, in its quarterfinal Saturday.

District 2 champion Montrose had its season end at 18-2.

“The wind was a huge factor,” Montrose coach Jenton Esworthy said. “We’re not a very deep team and running against the wind, you get fatigued.”

Perhaps Montrose’s best scoring chance in the first half came in the eighth minute. The wind gave the ball off a clear a little extra distance and enabled senior and leading scorer Maddy Gilhool to get a step on the defender and go in on a semi-breakaway. However, Southern Columbia goalkeeper Rilyn Wisloski made the save.

Gilhool also had several shot attempts later in the first half sail wide.

Despite going into the wind in the first half, Southern Columbia struck first in the 10th minute.

Morgan Marks sent a cross from the right side that Maggie Morrison headed into the net for a 1-0 lead.

“We played hard against the wind in the first half. Without a doubt, it benefitted us in the second half. It was nice to have it at our backs, going the other way.”

Early in the second half, the wind helped Southern Columbia extend its lead to 2-0.

Carly Britch kicked the ball toward the goal from about 35 yards out. The wind took it just over the head of Montrose goalkeeper Katie Puterbaugh. The ball bounced on the turf, hit the crossbar and landed in the net in the 45th minute.

Morgan Cole closed out the scoring for Southern Columbia in the 70th minute, sneaking a corner kick just inside the near post.

Frustration for Montrose hit its peak in the 66th minute when Esworthy was ejected for arguing with officials and picking up a second yellow card.

“The officiating was atrocious,” Esworthy said. “I’m not blaming that for the loss. We got beat by the better team and we didn’t play our best. But the disparity in the fouls and a couple of missed handballs ... it’s frustrating.”

In the 76th minute, the Lady Meteors had a chance to break the shutout when Gilhool was taken down in the box. But her penalty kick was saved by Wisloski.

“I feel like as a team we didn’t play our best. We didn’t come out like we usually do,” Gilhool said. “It happens. You’ll have those games.

“But it’s been amazing playing with these girls. I don’t know what I would do without them and without my coach.”

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.